Besides, why do we see such discussions started about "trap" games whenever the Pats win a tough game followed by a game against a "supposed" weaker opponent? You think the Pats are going into Houston thinking they can mail this game in? I do not think so. This is stuff only fans like to talk about.

My only concern about this game is we get off that horrible Texas field without any more major injuries.

One guess why the Texans, juggernauts last year, are working on extending their 9 game losing streak this year. The team has had massive injury problems because they have had to play on that horrible Texas field for eight regular season games and two preseason games.

One side of the "trap game" theory holds up. New England and Denver somehow played over 160 total snaps in one game, and both teams have a short week to recover. At least New England didn't have to fly home after the game. On the other side of Houston is that big home game versus Cleveland in another week, not exactly something that distracts the team from the Houston contest. Yawn.

Well, it was a little too close for comfort but the D did shut down Watts and the O got on track in the second half. I'll let TexasPat do the grading but playing only 30 minutes out of 60 won't cut it when the playoffs start.